The Indonesian government is set to create a new military branch focused on cyber defense. This initiative was prompted by an order from the President during a recent meeting with the House of Representatives, where the National Armed Forces’ General also participated. The forthcoming cyber division will complement an existing cyber unit, which currently relies heavily on the capabilities of its personnel
The plan for the new cybersecurity division involves creating centers within each branch of the military and integrating them with the primary headquarters of the armed forces. According to the general overseeing the initiative, the program will recruit civilians and personnel, with most candidates expected to come from recent high school and university graduates.
Jakarta’s move to establish a new military branch focused on cybersecurity comes after extensive evaluations by government officials and experts. This initiative aims to strengthen Indonesia’s defense capabilities in the face of the growing threat of cyber warfare and ensure better protection of the nation’s economy. The urgency of this effort became more apparent in July 2024, following the country’s most significant cyberattack to date, which targeted vital infrastructure, including major airports, immigration services, and over 230 public agencies.
Before the recent announcement, Indonesia had already taken steps to bolster its cyber defense capabilities through a bilateral defense agreement with the US Department of Defense. This partnership aims to enhance Indonesia’s cyber competitiveness by offering ongoing training programs in cyberspace. The collaboration also lays the groundwork for exploring additional tools and strategies to address future cybersecurity challenges.
(Source: The Defense Post)